Infusion # 7

Infusion # 7 today. It went well. Doug's weight is steady at 153, same as the last two weeks.
Doug's white blood counts were down compared to last week, but good enough to get the treatment. One month ago, when Doug's counts were too low to have an infusion, his WBC was 2.0 and the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) was .9. Today the WBC was 2.5 and the ANC was 1.2.  Once those numbers were approved by the Dr, the nurse called pharmacy and ordered the dara; they do not mix it up ahead of time.
There was a delay in getting the drug from pharmacy today because a code blue was called and pharmacy has to drop everything and respond.

It was the scheduled Dr visit today; she was busy so we saw the nurse practitioner. Nothing much to report except that Doug's athlete's foot infection is not cleared up yet. It came on with a vengeance when Doug was neutropenic - he didn't have enough infection fighting cells. We have seen the foot Dr twice; he says it will take a lot longer to clear up while Doug's immunity is low. Doug can't see his feet well enough to make sure all the areas are covered with the cream, so I've been putting it on for him. Service with a smile!
Everything moved a little slow today. Doug's usual nurse had the day off and we had a nurse who was new to us. She did fine, just not as quick. We appreciate her taking time to double check everything.
The hospital lost the water supply for a time. No water came out of the faucets and none of the toilets flushed! This was probably related to the construction taking place. The hospital is expanding and it is a huge project. After an hour, the plumbing was working as usual and the water was deemed safe.

The infusion was finished at 3:30. we were both tired and ready to get home. But we are thankful we were only 30 minutes from home and not in Denver! We are blessed.

Love to all.